Amidst intense interest from Chelsea for the signature of Nigerian-born French midfielder, Michael Olise, the youngster has extended his contract with Crystal Palace.
Earlier today, August 17, Crystal Palace confirmed that the 21-year-old France youth international has signed a four-year contract extension with the club which is a big blow to Chelsea’s push for his signature.
This is coming barely two days after Chelsea reportedly triggered the release clause in Michael Olise’s contract with Crystal Palace.
After this step, Chelsea were expected to commence negotiations on personal terms with the Frenchman but a statement from Crystal Palace alleged that the Stamford Bridge side crossed the line during the process of attempting to trigger the player’s release clause.
Also, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish stated on Thursday that the London-born footballer will remain at the club despite the push from Stamford Bridge.
Michael Olise is not new to Chelsea’s set-up as he started his football development at the club’s football academy. He left the youth system when he was 14 years old and signed a five-year deal with Reading in 2019.
He didn’t see out the deal before Crystal Palace signed him in 2021. He had the best season of his career last season in which he scored two goals and provided 11 assists in 37 matches. This performance earned him the Player of the Season award at the club.
The player who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury which he sustained while representing France in the 2023 European Under-21 Championship, wasn’t involved in the club’s 1-0 victory away at Sheffield United in their Premier League opener last weekend.
